Using E-Cigs When Traveling for Business or Pleasure

Posted by Blaze on May 13, 2014 . .

When researching how to include vaping into your routine when traveling, it pays to think of the word “respect.” If you think ahead, follow any designated guidelines in place about e-cigs, and honor the feelings of those around you, you’ll be fine.

A business traveler we’ll call Jack says, “If people are having dinner within two feet of you, they might not like the smell of berry vapor, for example. I use e-cigarettes myself, but when I’m having a meal, I don’t want to smell cherry or lemon vapor from others,” Jack laughs.

Electronic cigarettes are still passing the test of public scrutiny, so make sure you don’t tread heavily on the feelings of others—if at all possible. It will take months, even years, to educate the public about e-cigs. By thoughtfully planning ahead, and regarding other people, you can fully enjoy all of the pleasures of e-cigs without too much conflict.

Statistics from the Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association inform us that almost 14% of the 44 million tobacco users in the U.S. are now using e-cigarettes. As e-cigarettes gain popularity, more of the users will educate their friends and family. But for now, it pays not to expect instant understanding from the American public. Traveling will likely pose more issues than using e-cigs in your local area.

“It’s worth it to contend with all sorts of issues in traveling,” says an airport executive we’ll call William. “I have totally quit tobacco using e-cigs over the past three years. I used a sense of humor to ward off strange stares, weird comments, and rudeness from others. But, my body is healthier. That’s what you have to stay focused on, as you vape wherever you can.”

Do Follow Strictly Enforced Rules

Travelers can vape inside airport open areas, rest rooms, and lounge areas. But remember, all airlines forbid vaping aboard planes. Likely, any such device might have more to do with prevention of terrorism than vaping liquids. Who knows how someone might utilize a similar-looking device to do harm. Also, since smoking tobacco is forbidden, the airlines have stated they want to draw the line with e-cigs, too. This might result from not making a difference in how smokers and e-cigarette users perceive the friendliness of airline travel.

At any rate, think like an adult. Try to be understanding from the airline’s point of view, and never use a vaping device inside an airplane restroom. If you’re caught, you can be fined heavily. Remember, even ballpoint pens have imploded at high altitudes with ink going everywhere! You don’t want to get caught using your vaping device and have to explain things to the flight attendants.

In the event of using an e-cigarette in restaurants or hotel areas, keep in mind that staying low key about your vaping usually works. Someone once said: “It’s easier to apologize than to ask for permission.”

It’s true that going ahead with vaping can often be the simplest way to go. If you stop to ask someone if they mind that you’re going to use an e-cigarette, this can evoke an argument. More than likely, you’ll just need to put your device away if someone voices a strong complaint.

When traveling inside a cab, do ask the cab driver if he or she minds e-cigs. This is just common courtesy inside an enclosed space. After all, the other person has the right to speak up if he or she believes the e-cigarette is an issue. If you are sitting next to someone on a bus or ride at a theme park, for example, it’s best to ask if your electronic device is a problem.

This all points to the obvious fact: When traveling, look for open areas where no one else will directly smell your e-cigarette—or imagine that they are breathing any vapor from it. Don’t invite criticism, so plan ahead to use your device in very open spaces. Why invite criticism?

Think Ahead To Find Time to Vape

Plan your trip mentally from start to finish, so you can define predictable times to vape an e-cigarette. By mapping out your time schedule to allow time for vaping, you will also avoid the rush of airport shuttles, cabs and tour group guides asking everyone to hurry.

Remember to think about the crowds you will be in, if the trip is for business. For example, you can plan ahead to smoke during a lunch seminar. However, if the room is full of people, it will be harder to leave in order to vape in the hallway or restroom. Instead, use your e-cig 15 minutes before the lunch event begins.

Ask for cooperation from those traveling in your group, too. You might, for instance, ask your office group traveling with you to a conference to take a coffee break at 2 p.m., so you can vape at an outdoor café. Or, ask a friend to wait outside a museum or restaurant with you as you vape an e-cig.

If you’re going on a cruise, be sure to talk with your travel agent. Find out any restrictions on the cruise line about e-cigarettes. Every company will make its own rules, so don’t assume it’s okay to use e-cigarettes in a particular area of the ship. Find out ahead of time. Most likely, the ship will have designated areas for e-cigarettes because many people are still skeptical about their safety.

Try not to get upset about forbidden zones or skeptical people as you travel. New customs and new products always elicit strong opinions from society. Try to focus on what’s possible to do, rather than get upset about rules and regulations about what you can’t do. Your goal is to stick with e-cigarettes and not get discouraged.